Gemotions

The anticipation had been simmering all day, a pleasant heat in her chest. She kept picturing the look on David's face when he saw the garden ablaze with fairy lights, the music softly playing, the friends and family gathered to celebrate. She’d spent hours stringing the lights, arranging the food, making everything perfect.

Then, a frantic phone call. The venue had cancelled. A fire marshal issue.

She hung up the phone, her hands suddenly trembling. The joy that had filled her all morning evaporated, replaced by a hollow ache. It wasn’t the party itself, but the thought of David being disappointed that was the source of pain.

She sat on the steps, the air suddenly cold. She imagined David’s reaction, and she felt a strong need to take care of him. She stood back up, determination blazing in her eyes. The party could be recreated, somewhere else. She would make it special. She picked up her phone, her fingers already scrolling through contacts.